Neighbor Disputes: From barking dogs to excessive yard clutter, there are many things that can strain relationships between neighbors. While not every neighbor disagreement requires legal action, there are some neighbor-related disputes a lawyer can help you either settle or resolve in other ways. Below, we run through a list of the more common disputes of this nature that may require assistance from an attorney.
Neighbor Disputes
Trees and Property Lines
With trees that grow close to property lines, there could be disputes over who’s responsible for cleaning up leaves or other aspects of care and upkeep. In some cases, there may be disagreements over who gets to keep what’s produced by fruit-bearing trees close to property lines or who’s responsible for cleanup if a tree falls.
A lawyer may be able to work out a reasonable compromise with any of these situations. An attorney can also lend a hand legally with property line disputes involving:
- Fence locations along property lines
- Whether or not properly lines are correct
- How far a new home addition can be extended
- Who’s responsible for certain underground utility lines
Unsightly Exterior Spaces
This one’s somewhat iffy legally since what’s considered “unsightly” can vary and depend on what local guidelines might apply. For instance, if your neighbor has a bunch of old appliances and other items scattered throughout their yard, a lawyer can determine if there may be any local ordinances they might be violating.
Annoying Uses of Property
“Annoying” can also be open to interpretation in this case. If, for example, your neighbor is using their home as an Airbnb or some other type of short-term rental, a lawyer can check for potential local code issues or, if applicable, homeowners’ association violations. Part of this process may involve contacting code enforcement officials prior to considering reasonable legal actions.
‘Borrowing’ Wi-Fi
This is more of a gray area legally today since laws are still being written when it comes to “borrowing” or using a neighbor’s Wi-Fi connection without permission. What an attorney can do, however, is let you know if there are any legal guidelines that apply in your area if you’re dealing with this issue.
New Construction Issues and Other Neighbor-Related Disputes
Generally, there’s nothing wrong legally with a neighbor adding onto their home or undertaking any other type of construction on their property, provided they obtained all necessary permits and permissions. But what if your neighbor is building a second-story addition that will completely block your view? This is an example of a possible construction-related issue a lawyer may be able to assist you with.
It may also be necessary to consult with an attorney to explore your legal options with neighbor disputes involving:
- Attempts to use unused parts of your property without permission
- Recurring issues with late-night parties and other nuisances
- Growing illegal substances in plain sight
- Blocking shared driveways or access paths
See What an Attorney Has to Say
Even if you’re not sure whether or not a neighbor dispute requires legal action to resolve the issue, it never hurts to seek input from an attorney. At a minimum, you’ll develop a better understanding of your rights and legal options. If you do have a valid legal matter, a lawyer can guide you through the process of attempting to find an acceptable solution.